Print jobs are becoming more complex, with faster turnaround times requiring almost immediate feedback and decision-making. To manage this, senior management requires nimble print management system access to real time, mobile management information via smart phones, Internet browsers, and VPNs to company networks. During Graph Expo, Prism will demonstrate mobileMIS and Prism WIN. Both solutions offer end-to-end management of medium to large printing companies in a fully integrated, modular software and hardware solution and will also be demonstrated during Graph Expo.

Prism mobileMIS is browser enabled and easy to use, with no client software needed. Users can launch their print MIS and track their business directly from their mobile phones. Whether checking key business sales, production, financial and customer service performance indicators, asking for an instant, real-time price quote, establishing a JDF link with prepress, press and finishing equipment from a smartphone, or managing inventory from a hand held wireless device, Prism mobileMIS can help.

"Business intelligence is the lifeblood of a successful company. Print providers expect print management system access to real time, mobile management information via smart phones, Internet browsers, and VPNs to company networks," said Filip Buyse, President and CEO of Prism. "mobileMIS allows executives to stay in contact with what is happening in production facilities."

Building an MIS Around the Print Business

Prism WIN is so flexible that it allows printers to continue to operate their business the way they prefer, rather than force fitting them into a software developer's notion of how to run a business. It has many tools and flexible processes to build a system that reflects a printer's own business.

Once one invests in Prism WIN, the printer never has to think about another MIS again—whether they diversify to magazines, digital, packaging, flexo, commercial offset, or displays. With Prism WIN, diverse product capabilities that drive a diverse set of internal processes no longer create administrative re-work, double entries, and cumbersome accounting practices.

A complete solution from one software developer is rarely the reality. Prism WIN Connect lets complementary technologies, such as web to print solutions and enterprise collaboration tools to work with Prism WIN. For example, printers can send shipping information to delivery service systems and receive shipping data back for costing and tracking. Meanwhile, Prism's JDF link with production workflows can result in substantial cost and time benefits. By interfacing to Prism WIN, the preproduction workflow becomes an extension of the printer's supply chain. For example, by defining critical job parameters up front via JDF, the link to the production workflow eliminates redundant data entry by operators that can lead to incorrect content. Information from a job work slip can be pulled, such as the product SKU or barcode, layers, inks and ink coverage, and structural information, among others.

Tracking Print Jobs from Start to Finish

Production management is not complete without the ability to monitor live production data and track activities, material consumption, and jobs throughout all stages of the workflow. On the plant floor, QTMS tracks raw materials throughout the print process—from prepress through finishing to shipping, and each milestone is automatically fed back into Prism WIN, updating job status dynamically. In fact, a printer can look at a pallet, a box on that pallet, and understand cost of goods—material and labor—for each printed piece.

Based on Updated Technology

Prism WIN and QTMS are built on the .NET framework to take advantage of the best of the Windows operating system. The .NET Framework is intended for use by the most recent applications created for the Windows platform. Applications running on the .NET framework operate more efficiently.

Demonstrating JDF Partnerships

Prism continues to be one of the most open and accessible MIS developers in the industry, with working integration to production systems from the leading graphic arts suppliers, such as Kodak, Agfa, EskoArtwork, Goss, manroland, Mitsubishi, Heidelberg and Xeikon. In fact, the company has over 20 JDF integration partners on the CIP4 JDF matrix, and current development plans assure that the list will continue to grow.

Prism WIN can also provide integration to leading web2print solutions like OPS and Responsive Solutions. With Prism WIN Connect, complementary technologies, such as front-facing web to print solutions and enterprise collaboration tools can all be used.

"Prism WIN and QTMS allow any print provider to implement and operate an MIS/ERP system that mirrors their business operations and reports significant business and production data and trends for the business owner," comments Tim Daisy, Prism's Marketing Manager. "Used with production systems, they can reduce a significant amount of labor and reduce product error. We look forward to demonstrating how a print business can dramatically improve operations with the help of an MIS/ERP system."